Barry Norman bids goodbye to Film 98

On his last Film programme for the BBC, there's a compilation of Barry Norman's best bits. From 21st June 1998.

[@hugodrax71]

Barry Norman was so good he could critique a film perfectly in two minutes. He never patronised the viewer, there was no waffle and no hyperbole. He was calm, intelligent and very dry. I've never forgotten his scathing review of Howard the Duck in Film '86 when he said "the only way I'd like Howard is a l'orange." He's much missed.

[@JHallenbeck]

I still miss Barry Norman's 90s iteration of FILM. That's how bygoners like me used to get our film news fix! He was like everyone's favourite granddad - knowledgeable, a little grumpy, often bemoaning the changing trends in pop culture, but full of warm hearted smiles and cheeky humour.

[@ahsenkhan5386]

Actually, he was to the point He didn't care for politics or anything from Hollywood that would told him. He would tell like it is and his review was spot on, was never biased or prejudiced against any genre. If it's good he would say it it's good and so on.

[@BlookbugIV]

He was fairly reliable too, if he rated something it was usually worth watching. I thought in the early days of the internet the aggregate scores from a broad section of media would be the most reliable, but I didn’t foresee the cultish group-think that the internet itself would foster among media types.

[@Steve_Green]

Somewhere, I still have my Film ‘79 t-shirt…

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

@@Steve_Green Well there you have it! And maybe you don't! And.....why not?

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

​@@stephenalanmoore7278every time we hear the music it reminds us of Barry's film programme

[@michaelmuldowney8]

Hundreds of thousands of film lovers got their interest in movies from Barry’s FILM show. I remember being at the Dublin Film Festival in the 1990’s. Before a screening of the surprise film “The Birdcage” the festival director introduced Barry to the audience. The reaction was incredible - people cheered and stood. Barry was clearly overwhelmed by the response.

[@IAmLookingForwardToDeath]

Michael, believe it or not, I know you. Worked with you and played golf with you a couple of times back in 87 or 88 when we were both working in that building beside the river. My initials are GM. How can we contact each other privately ? Would love to have a chat with you for old times' sake. Nicely written comment, by the way. I wish I had been there to see that. Barry was a very big deal back in the day, and not just in Britain, as we both know.

[@ManCave1972]

Barry was the only film authority that mattered in the 80s and 90s. Man, I used to live for that show. I once went to a charity showing of Casablanca that he introduced, and he did a Q and A on stage, and he was so comfortable in himself and the questions he was getting asked. Most of the audience were there to see him rather than the movie. God bless Barry Norman, nobody else ever came close.

[@ManCave1972]

@Miles Cavendish sadly for you, it is not.

[@ManCave1972]

@Miles Cavendish Child.

[@ahsenkhan5386]

..................and you know what when Barry left so did the film industry RIP Barry Norman :(

[@David_Crayford]

What a great way to end. So thrilled to find Barry Norman again on KZbin. This is as close to a time machine as I am going to get.

[@LOrealHardly]

Much missed. I watched Barry all the way from being 11-12 years-old.

[@captainkirk4519]

When I was young you just wanted to know what Barry Norman thought of the film's - that was it.

[@johnrider5701]

Back in the days when tv presenters had personality s and talent . Rest in peace Barry Norman ,,,

[@evonne_okafor]

RIP Barry. You was the best.

[@charlie7313m]

I could listen to him all day he was brilliant at his job

[@dellwright1407]

And why not?

[@peterwilliamskelhorn6675]

@@dellwright1407 its 50 years since Barry started his film series. And everytime i hear the theme it reminds me of this

[@robinperronjones5024]

That was a great trip down memory lane, Barry Norman what a absolute professional presenter

[@nickshields1011]

Loved this programme, and yes, that theme tune was, and still is, the best ever.

[@boneyjoe8543]

The legend that is Barry Norman... I spent many a late night hour watching his explanations and breakdowns of films.. and not understanding a bloody word of it!

[@Geoff_Dearth]

Oh, Bazza. Grew up watching this, back when reviews were fookin worth something

[@BathedInMilk]

He really did have the best theme tune

[@seantbuckley88]

It's called 'I Wish I Knew How it Would Feel to be Free' by Billy Taylor (jazz pianist) from the early sixties. Later that decade Nina Simone recorded a version with lyrics written by Taylor and a dude called Dick Dallas which became synonymous with the civil rights movement in America. The version from 'Film' is from a 1967 live recording of Billy Taylor's trio at the time. Great tune.

[@BathedInMilk]

@@seantbuckley88 I know.

[@IAmLookingForwardToDeath]

@@seantbuckley88 Interesting that you automatically assumed he needed to be educated by you...

[@ziauddinkhan5699]

Watched his program since the early 80s, my favourite critic. Loved his sharp wit, keen observation and droll humour.

[@jimclawley9117]

Show was never the same after Barry Norman

[@Steve_Green]

There are two things you knew about Barry Norman. The first was, he knew the business, not least because he was the son of Leslie Norman. The second, more apposite to this show, was that his opinions were always honest; if only the same could be said of those who came after him.

[@creynolds094]

Even in death, Barry Norman is a much better film critic than all the current film critics put together! I also liked his Radio Times column.

[@Twirlyhead]

That was wonderful in so many ways.

[@AJM01]

"And why not", that is literally all I remember him saying from watching Film (80s-90s) growing up.

[@decimustv4257]

I wish he was still around doing Movie reviews.

[@philb4462]

What a wonderful guy. A consummate professional and much missed.

[@larrytalbot3824]

Was never quite the same after he left, I remember tuning in to this all those years ago & one of the things that sticks in my mind was just how clearly _nervous_ Barry Norman was throughout his final show, he must have been dreading saying goodbye, I wonder how many takes there were of that final signing off. See you later Barry.

[@andrewbarratt7736]

98 was such a great year. No smart phones. Internet in its infancy. Great music. Lads mags. Great films in the late 90s. Channel 5 just launched. Simpler times.

[@deanlearner1565]

I personally was 7 in 1998 so I can't argue that it was simpler 😂

[@CathyKitson]

Wow, his diplomacy and tact dealing with prickly, difficult megastars!

[@MOMGEN1]

Just remembering how many of these moments I watched the first time around.

[@jmcallion2071]

Barry Norman and Mark kamode the only people who could tell what films were worth watching and those who weren't!

[@carltonjohnston8408]

A really great show throughout those years. I miss that sort of show, you would know what’s on at the cinema and what was worth watching. I have no idea what films are on these days. But poignant too, 26 years in 26 seconds, it kind of feels like that is how fast these years are going. A life very well lived, you could tell Barry Norman very much enjoyed his career.

[@noellecox3952]

I always love watching Barry norman film show he interview alot of fantastic actors and actresses and directors he is sadly missed on tv

[@kranson8514]

Grew up with this show so much taken for granted.

[@joevolcano6720]

Thank you Barry, God bless your soul.

[@willrobinson7599]

I stopped watching when he left . Loved tuning in to hear him give the verdict on the latest summer block busters

[@TravelHonestly]

Simply the best. Amazing that the BBC gave him such a great send off too seeing as he was leaving for the “competition.” RIP Barry.

[@luketaylor9881]

“The best theme tune on television” indeed - was so sad when you went to Sky. Still miss you Barry ! Rest in Peace

[@johnbaldock6353]

OMG The Quality of Films he had to review!! The Godfather, Serpico, Jaws, E.T, One flew over the cuckoo's nest,Platoon,Taxi driver Etc Etc. The Golden age of Cinema!! I'm so glad he's no longer around to review the CRAP today! Super hero Bollocks, remakes, the Lazy Shit Studios pump out today. RIP Barry.❤

[@thepublichousebrandcom]

😂😂 so true.

[@songsmith31a]

Often rivalled, never equalled. How a film review programme should be done!

[@waynefarrar3278]

What a theme tune

[@andypickeringmusic]

Man..... Can you imagine a world where TV film critics could ever have the charisma and charm? Never happen. Shame the best of everything is behind us

[@Filmmaker809]

The greatest film reviewer the UK ever had, the BBC should have begged for him to stay instead lost him to Sky. Barry forever missed for your intelligence and wit. Jonathan Ross was nowhere as good when he took over from Barry.

[@nialltd]

Barry Norman a real class man

[@whoknew2273]

The master of Film Reviews

[@declanwhelan5531]

Barry Norman, true gent!! Great movie reviewer!!

[@knownpleasures]

It’s funny how quickly forgotten he got though

[@ab8jeh]

That's just what happens. Strange to think, but think of all the millions of wonderful people on the Earth 150 years ago and now no one knows any of them. Life is odd indeed.

[@thepublichousebrandcom]

Yet we're all here re-watching, so he wasnt really forgotten! 😂

[@michaelwincott]

I really wish he had ended his career at the BBC too. Such a big influence on so many growing up in the 80s and 90s. BBC would have made it possible to carry on until 2017, surely? Murdoch's money, eh? And he only worked there for 3 years after Film 98.

[@jamjarr8808]

Jonathan Ross took over. That was just a stupid move on BBC's part

[@jamjarr8808]

The man was a class act

[@fuzzy1237]

Legend

[@mikew608]

BRILLIANT

[@nightwinghunter]

He was great.

[@mattlage2640]

Legend, Nuff said

[@Larry]

He didn't retire here, Sky just offered him a truck load of money to come do a film review series on Sky One. They were poaching a number of BBC presenters back then, Harry Enfield another big hitter. But it's bizarre his favourite ever movie was Independence Day. Would have loved his take on the sequel.

[@christschin3708]

Where has he said it’s his favourite ever film? Doesn’t even get into his top 100 films ever?

[@starwarsroo2448]

@@christschin3708 just looked and no it doesn't and tbh not much from the last 40 years in his top 100, it's all the classic classics, I only counted 3 Martin Scorsese in there

[@riseoftheziggurat4394]

Always knew he was a chap of taste.

[@starwarsroo2448]

@@riseoftheziggurat4394 its a BS statement

[@BAKEDPOTATOLARDYASS]

Duh!!

[@mikep9913]

Odd having grown up watching the likes of Barry Norman, Terry Wogan, and so many other household names who’ve since gone to the Lord. One thought they’d be around forever.

[@sabretooth1971]

I always remember his dry wit. Once, doing a film chart run down he said 'and at number 5 is Beverly Hills cop 3. Laugh!? I never started.'

[@Giskard1000]

That was lovely. 🥰

[@RioBow]

In the immortal line Nobody did it better RIP Barry

[@fifthof1795]

Ahh...when the licence fee was worth paying....

[@321bytor]

...cringe

[@fifthof1795]

@@321bytor why?

[@321bytor]

@@fifthof1795 ...back when everything was better...

[@fifthof1795]

@@321bytor You're obviously a young fool.The BBC was better back then,indeed most things actually were better in the 90's. I lived that time and you obviously didn't. The BBC is a pile of absolute garbage now. So if you wish to say cringe go ahead, but you are a fool for judging a period you never lived through.

[@stephenalanmoore7278]

'And why not?'

[@arthursteven5601]

Why not indeed 😀

[@arthursteven5601]

The greatest x

[@JimGall]

Proper TV.

[@dannyarcher6370]

0:53 - That's great.

[@LineaDeus]

*ROFL!!! Great start. Barry: This Superstardom, Do you think this will greatly change your life?* *Edna Everage: No dear! ...I have had my change of Life.*

[@Wildmutationblu]

He was far better than Jonathon Woss.

[@igolfjtweetler4097]

Wish he'd stuck around and saved us from the interminable Jonathan of Ross and even worse Claudia.

[@ahsenkhan5386]

really ? with partisan SJW woke films I don't think he'd bothered and I wouldn't blame him

[@fluorosco]

Claudia Winkleman? I like Claudia Winkleman. I love Barry Norman talking about films . Film 82-90 and top of the pops were my program's in that time. There was a series about bouncers with a guy called mad mick. It was called the ritz or something like that

[@kebabtank]

@@fluorosco I think it was called 'Putting on the Ritz' and yes, I do feel old now!

[@fluorosco]

@@kebabtank that's it. That was brilliant . Mad Mick. I've looked for it and full series on KZbin

[@starwarsroo2448]

Claudia Winkleman has never even seen a crap film i swear

[@dannyarcher6370]

WTF happened to him between '96 and' 97?

[@Dedbeatz.]

S quality bloke.

[@markdaly1903]

ubeknownst to Bazza. the film team filmed a tribute from Roger Ebert. and bazza broke down on tv.

[@BAKEDPOTATOLARDYASS]

Great show he got out at the right time as movies just got worse & the actors fake

[@patrickomalley1667]

Robert de Niro. They nearly cane to blows apparently

[@markdaly1903]

he was jetlagged and in very bad form

[@BrianFeral1]

*Barry on RAMBO 3...* See the way he postures Hear his pompous delivery of mind numbing banalities as he struts his stuff with his back to the camera thinking of all the money he's just trousered.

[@fifthof1795]

Rambos 2/3/4 were absolute sh!te though.

[@BrianFeral1]

@@fifthof1795 yeah true. First Blood was ok. But that's about it.

[@MikeL-7]

It was a real disappointment at the time that the omnipresent (1998) in the worst way Spice Girls got top billing in Barry’s highlights reel.

[@anwar101978]

Bruce Willis asking whats life really like at the BBC, do you think he might have ran in to Jimmy Saville

[@FatNorthernBigot]

I wonder what Barry would have made of all this MCU capes & CGI bollocks.

[@beadelf8158]

whats life like at the BBC? thats a loaded question hahaha

[@OlafProt]

Look at him visibility recoiling from Gerry Halliwell LMAO.. wouldn't we all. The architect of todays "dress like a streetwalker" look.

[@johnnyretro1975]

the bbc is a cancer but this guy was class RIP Barry

[@sidsuspicious]

Sound like a rabid right wing loon.

[@kaz007]

Another BBC balls up,,he was pushed to go,replaced by amateurs,which obviously didnt last long.

[@royfr8136]

Never saw his appeal.

[@salus1231]

He was brutally honest and could be funny and you could got to see clips from what was on at the local cinema and maybe think i'll go see that